Typical Homes in Scottsdale

Typical Homes in Scottsdale

Desert Homes are made different than standard all season homes.

Almost 70 percent of Arizona homes lie in the desert cities of Scottsdale and the Phoenix metro area. As a result, typical Scottsdale home designs incorporate designs and materials to resist the intense sunshine and dry air found in all altitudes in Arizona. 

The most common exterior material used for Arizona homes in the deserts is stucco and roofing materials are tile. Most homes in Arizona do not have basements.

Exteriors
Many of the Scottsdale homes built in the deserts of Arizona have a Mediterranean or quasi-Mediterranean style. The exterior siding is typically stucco, since this material resists heat and dryness well and is relatively easy and inexpensive to apply. Stucco, should it crack, is easy to repair. Homes built later than the mid-1980s have concrete tile roofs, a durable roofing material that lasts for decades. In mountain communities, homes may use wood or log exteriors and roofing material that snow slides off easily.

Stories
Homes in Scottsdale typically do not have basements. The soil in Arizona’s deserts has a layer called caliche, a rock-hard substrate of compressed gravel, calcium carbonate and clay that is hard to dig. Before the cost of a lot in Arizona’s cities grew to a concern, most homes were single-story since land was inexpensive. Once the building boom in Scottsdale accelerated the value of land, builders turned toward smaller lots and two-stories to reduce the base cost of a home. The side-to-side distance between homes in Scottsdale, can be as little as 10 feet in many subdivisions.

Interiors
Smaller Scottsdale homes have two to three bedrooms, a living room and a dining room or a space adjacent to the kitchen to eat. Most homes in Arizona feature patios, although second floor balconies are uncommon except in apartments, condos or townhomes. Larger homes include both formal and informal living and dining areas. Most Scottsdale homes have at least one sliding glass door that leads out of the living room or family room onto a patio in a backyard. Homes in the mountains are more likely to have a raised deck since the lots may have steep grades.

Yards
Most Scottsdale front yards in the deserts and mountains use native plants and different kinds of gravel, since the cities in the metro areas adopted water-saving measures to reduce water demand for outdoor landscaping. While desert residents may conserve water by using cacti and succulents, swimming pools provide cooling relief in the summer. 50 percent of homes in Scottsdale had a backyard swimming pool. Almost all yards in Scottsdale have fences that enclose the backyard made from concrete block, although older homes may have wood fencing.

Think you might be ready? Have more questions? Please don’t hesitate to contact me. I look forward to hearing from you,

CLICK HERE TO START YOUR HOME SEARCH

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Search All Scottsdale Homes for Sale

Our website features the best Scottsdale real estate search for homes, condos, land and foreclosure properties available. It is the only site you will ever need! It is easy-to-use and updated by the official Realtor’s database every 15 minutes. 

You can save searches, and get daily email alerts of new listings, price changes, sold data, and market reports. Our Interactive Map Search allows you to view properties on a map or refine your search by drawing the boundaries around the area you desire.

Click here for the latest Scottsdale homes for sale. We would love the opportunity to show you any of the Park Scottsdale real estate.

Curious about what’s happening in your neighborhood? You can create a custom market report to see what’s active, under contract, and sold in your neighborhood! 

Please call us at (480) 600-2477 or Contact us today to find out how we can be of assistance to you!

Mortgage rates to 3-year low!

Mortgage rates to 3-year low!

Mortgage rates continue to fall

Freddie Mac said in its weekly survey that average rates on a 30-year fixed mortgage have fallen to 3.45%, the lowest mark in three years.

One year ago, the same rate was at 4.41%. The plunge has been a boom for the housing market early in 2020 as homeowners rush to refinance or lock in low rates for their home purchases.

January jobs report on Friday suggested the U.S. economy is still creating new jobs. Employment increased by 225,000 jobs in January, beating expectations of 158,000. Analysts believe a peppy economy and warmer than usual weather helped push the number higher than estimates. The unemployment rate in the U.S. is now at 3.5%, among the lowest rates in recent history. This is all good news for home loan interest rates!

ACT NOW BEFORE RATES GO UP!!

Call, email or text me for more information and if you have any questions.

CLICK HERE TO START YOUR HOME SEARCH

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Search All Scottsdale Homes for Sale

Our website features the best Scottsdale real estate search for homes, condos, land and foreclosure properties available. It is the only site you will ever need! It is easy-to-use and updated by the official Realtor’s database every 15 minutes. 

You can save searches, and get daily email alerts of new listings, price changes, sold data, and market reports. Our Interactive Map Search allows you to view properties on a map or refine your search by drawing the boundaries around the area you desire.

Click here for the latest Scottsdale homes for sale. We would love the opportunity to show you any of the Park Scottsdale real estate.

Curious about what’s happening in your neighborhood? You can create a custom market report to see what’s active, under contract, and sold in your neighborhood! 

Please call us at (480) 600-2477 or Contact us today to find out how we can be of assistance to you!

Benefits of owning a Home in Scottsdale

Benefits of owning a Home in Scottsdale

Home ownership has many advantage

There are many great things that come with owning a home, both personal and financial, but buying a home in Scottsdale is an important decision. Understanding the differences between renting and buying can help you decide if it is the right time to make the leap.

Benefits of owning a Home in Scottsdale:

  • Tax savings
    You may earn significant tax savings because you can deduct mortgage interest and property taxes from your federal income tax as well as many states’ income tax if you itemize your deductions.
  • A stable monthly housing expense 
    Your monthly housing loan or mortgage expense can remain the same for the life of your mortgage, depending on the type of loan you choose.
  • Equity
    You may build equity in your home over the life of your loan, which allows you to plan for future goals like your child’s education or your retirement.
  • Personal satisfaction Your home can be a great source of pride and satisfaction – giving you peace of mind that you’ve built a solid foundation on which to build your future.

Think you might be ready? Have more questions? Please don’t hesitate to contact me. I look forward to hearing from you,

CLICK HERE TO START YOUR HOME SEARCH

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Search All Scottsdale Homes for Sale

Our website features the best Scottsdale real estate search for homes, condos, land and foreclosure properties available. It is the only site you will ever need! It is easy-to-use and updated by the official Realtor’s database every 15 minutes. 

You can save searches, and get daily email alerts of new listings, price changes, sold data, and market reports. Our Interactive Map Search allows you to view properties on a map or refine your search by drawing the boundaries around the area you desire.

Click here for the latest Scottsdale homes for sale. We would love the opportunity to show you any of the Park Scottsdale real estate.

Curious about what’s happening in your neighborhood? You can create a custom market report to see what’s active, under contract, and sold in your neighborhood! 

Please call us at (480) 600-2477 or Contact us today to find out how we can be of assistance to you!

Should I rent or buy home in Scottsdale?

Should I rent or buy home in Scottsdale?

Ask yourself these 5 questions.

Any milestone life event, such as getting married or divorced, having a baby, relocating for a new job, or sending adult children out into the world, can put you in the position of having to choose whether to rent or buy your residence.

There was a time when conventional wisdom dictated that buying was always the better choice, but the 2008 housing crash changed that. Now, experts advise that people make the decision to rent or buy based on more than whether or not they can afford a mortgage payment, and take several other factors into account as well. Here are five questions to ask yourself when deciding whether to rent or buy the next place you call home.

How Stable is Your Life? — None of us can predict the future, but before choosing to buy a home, you need to have a general idea of where you see yourself in the next five years. Do you have a good job that you enjoy and plan on keeping? Is your relationship status likely to change? Will you be adding to your family — or will it be shrinking when kids move out? Are you making plans to travel extensively? The way you answer all these questions will factor into your decision to buy or rent. Bottom line: If your life is reasonably stable and you foresee it staying that way, buying a home may be the way to go. If not, continue to rent until things settle down.

Have You Saved for a Down Payment? While in some cases it’s possible to purchase a home without a down payment, most financial experts advise against it for a number of reasons. For one, buying a home without a down payment means a higher mortgage payment and will require private mortgage insurance. Additionally, sellers are more likely to accept an offer that includes a down payment, especially in competitive marketslaptop and hard copy financial charts

Can You Afford the Monthly Costs? — As a renter, monthly housing costs are generally limited to rent, utilities and perhaps, renter’s insurance. When you buy a home, your monthly costs on top of the mortgage payment can include property taxes, HOA fees, yard maintenance, and higher utility bills than you’re used to because you’re heating or cooling a larger space and using more water. Making sure you’re financially prepared before buying a house will help ensure you get to enjoy your new home and not struggle with being “house poor.”

Are You Prepared to Furnish and Decorate? — Furnishing and decorating a home takes vision, time, effort and, of course, money. Even the most committed minimalist doesn’t want to live in a space that’s devoid of personality (or furniture). And really, at least half the fun of owning a home is making it your own with paint, décor and furnishings. When you’re working out your financials, don’t forget to factor in the cost of decorating the home.

Do You Really Want a Home? This may seem like an obvious question, but it’s worth doing some soul searching to figure out if you’re really ready to be a homeowner. Many people buy a home because they feel it’s the logical “next step,” or because friends and family pressure them into making an investment, only to find it wasn’t what they really wanted. Spend some time really thinking about your needs, your goals, and the life you want to live. If you come out of it feeling energized and excited about the prospect of owning your piece of the American Dream, go for it! If not, keep renting until you feel differently.

Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong answer for whether anyone should rent or buy their home. It’s a decision entirely based on each person’s unique set of circumstances. And remember, nothing is forever. You may find that as your life changes, you end up being both a renter and homeowner at different points along the way.

CLICK HERE TO START YOUR HOME SEARCH

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Search All Scottsdale Homes for Sale

Our website features the best Scottsdale real estate search for homes, condos, land and foreclosure properties available. It is the only site you will ever need! It is easy-to-use and updated by the official Realtor’s database every 15 minutes. 

You can save searches, and get daily email alerts of new listings, price changes, sold data, and market reports. Our Interactive Map Search allows you to view properties on a map or refine your search by drawing the boundaries around the area you desire.

Click here for the latest Scottsdale homes for sale. We would love the opportunity to show you any of the Park Scottsdale real estate.

Curious about what’s happening in your neighborhood? You can create a custom market report to see what’s active, under contract, and sold in your neighborhood! 

Please call us at (480) 600-2477 or Contact us today to find out how we can be of assistance to you!

WITH THE LOWER RATES, is now a good time to buy a home?

yes! Rates are now incredibly favorable for home purchase!

 

Yes! Rates are now incredibly favorable for home purchase!

 

The average rate on the popular 30-year fixed mortgage hit 3.70%, the lowest since November 2016, according to Mortgage News Daily. Low Rates like this won’t be around for long. Now is the time for your Home Purchase!

Mortgage rates sink to 3-year low

Fixed-rate mortgages:
The Fed’s key short-term rate affects 30-year mortgages – the most common purchase home loan – and other long-term rates. The average rate has dropped to 3.75% from 4.5% a year ago, according to Freddie Mac.

Lower rates have also increased the buying power for prospective homebuyers looking to purchase the average-priced home by the equivalent of 15%, meaning that they could effectively buy $45,000 ‘more house’ while still keeping their payments the same as they would have been last fall.

Many financial institutes are offering NO CLOSING COST and NO FEES. Including the appraisal, all title fees and every other fee associated with your loan. These fees are not even added to your loan balance. They pay them for you.

ACT NOW BEFORE RATES GO UP!!

Call, email or text me for more information and if you have any questions.

CLICK HERE TO START YOUR HOME SEARCH

——————————————————-

Search All Scottsdale Homes for Sale

Our website features the best Scottsdale real estate search for homes, condos, land and foreclosure properties available. It is the only site you will ever need! It is easy-to-use and updated by the official Realtor’s database every 15 minutes. 

You can save searches, and get daily email alerts of new listings, price changes, sold data, and market reports. Our Interactive Map Search allows you to view properties on a map or refine your search by drawing the boundaries around the area you desire.

Click here for the latest Scottsdale homes for sale. We would love the opportunity to show you any of the Park Scottsdale real estate.

Curious about what’s happening in your neighborhood? You can create a custom market report to see what’s active, under contract, and sold in your neighborhood! 

Please call us at (480) 600-2477 or Contact us today to find out how we can be of assistance to you!

Why people are moving from Northern California to Arizona

Why people are moving from Northern California to Arizona

It’s home to California’s Redwood Empire and Wine Country. It’s got a perfect climate, not too hot and not too cold, with a little fog to make things interesting. It’s not too far from — or too close to — San Francisco.

It’s where writer Jack London chose to live out the last days of his short life, and it even has a museum dedicated to cartoonist Charles M. Schulz, the creator of Linus, Lucy, Charlie Brown and Snoopy.

So what’s not to like about Sonoma County?

A lot, apparently. In 2017 alone, some 60,000 Californians pulled up stakes and moved to Arizona, according to recent Census data.

The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, the newspaper of record for the largest city in Sonoma County, tracked down a dozen people who moved from their fair county to Arizona and asked them why.

Their responses might surprise you. Or then again, they might not, especially if you commute, pay rent or a mortgage payment, or need to stretch a dollar.

Here’s a sampling from the Press Democrat:

  • Samuel Rosales and Mark Belvedere said they moved to Arizona to escape the Northern California traffic, especially their long commutes into San Francisco.
  • Dennis Anderson paid more than half a million dollars for his small home in Santa Rosa. He got one twice as big, with a pool, for $300,000 in Tempe.
  • Tara Thompson moved for the educational opportunity. Grad school in Arizona, even with out-of-state tuition, is still way cheaper than in California.
  • Phyllis Reason lost her home in last year’s devastating wildfires. By moving to Goodyear, she’s closer to family, and as a side benefit, she notes that gas is a dollar a gallon cheaper in Arizona.

Other families echoed the same themes of affordability, and several said they were able to find jobs here that were unavailable to them in Sonoma County.

For now, all seem happy with their choices. We’ll see if they’re still singing the same tune in July.

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Search All Scottsdale Homes for Sale

Our website features the best Scottsdale real estate search for homes, condos, land and foreclosure properties available. It is the only site you will ever need! It is easy-to-use and updated by the official Realtor’s database every 15 minutes. 

You can save searches, and get daily email alerts of new listings, price changes, sold data, and market reports. Our Interactive Map Search allows you to view properties on a map or refine your search by drawing the boundaries around the area you desire.

Click here for the latest Scottsdale homes for sale. We would love the opportunity to show you any of the Park Scottsdale real estate.

Curious about what’s happening in your neighborhood? You can create a custom market report to see what’s active, under contract, and sold in your neighborhood! 

Please call us at (480) 600-2477 or Contact us today to find out how we can be of assistance to you!

Why You Should Buy a Home in Scottsdale

10 Reasons Why You Should Buy a Home in Scottsdale

 

The Best City Ever – Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale, Arizona has a reputation as a travel destination, but it’s also a city beloved by it’s residents. Scottsdale provides abundant amenities, from vibrant outdoor activities and sports to a thriving downtown and waterfront. The reasons to move to Scottsdale are countless, including the sunny, dry climate; here are a few great ones:

The Weather

It might not be the only reason, but it is one of the best to start this list with. Not only is it warm, but Arizona residents enjoy low humidity levels in winter, not to mention the rest of the year. While average humidity levels in places like Florida can skyrocket all the way to 90-percent or even higher, the daily averages in Phoenix hover around 37-percent, and can drop to 23-percent or lower in the afternoons. With temperatures all winter long that average in the mid-60s and more than 300 days of sunshine, the Valley is one of the best places to live in the United States based on weather alone. Check out all the Homes for Sale In Scottsdale.

Family-Friendly

In spite of its reputation as a city for retirees, Scottsdale has abundant Gen X and millennial residents raising young families in the area. The city’s school districts are consistently ranked among the top in the state, including charter and magnet schools, an outstanding community college and proximity to Arizona State University. Charter BASIS High School ranks among the top 10 high schools in the country, per U.S. News and World Report. Likewise, the city has plenty of activities to appeal to families, including accredited sports and recreational activities and arts and museum culture. 

In 2014, Scottsdale was named the top city in the country to raise a family. Scottsdale is also home to family-friendly parks, including the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt, which connects the north side of town to the border with Tempe near Arizona State University by way of parks, splash pads, bike paths, driving ranges, and public golf courses.

Old Town

Known for nightlife, Scottsdale’s downtown has exploded with condos and urban housing for an effective mix of “live-work-play” in the area. It’s also one of the top five art markets in the country, with more than 70 galleries. It’s home to a growing tech sector. Weebly and Yelp have both opened branch offices here, among others; it’s less expensive than the Silicon Valley environment. Shopping is also a priority; Scottsdale Fashion Square sets a high standard with anchors Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Dillard’s and Barney’s New York. Residents appreciate the blend of arts and culture downtown with business, shopping and nightlife: I love the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. The grounds are green with beautiful fountains and a nice selection of restaurants. Scottsdale Fashion Square is the best place for people-watching, from hipsters to dowagers. Click here for Old Town Scottsdale Homes For Sale.

Dining & Shopping

Scottsdale’s burgeoning downtown benefits from entrepreneurism in the restaurant scene as well, with more than 790 restaurants in the city. Each year, Scottsdale hosts Restaurant Week, which had nearly 80 participants at all price points in Fall 2017. 

There is no shortage of high-end shopping and dining in Scottsdale. From the Pavilions at Talking Stick to the Kierland Commons, the city is perfect for shoppers of all tastes. Scottsdale is home to unique storefronts like Calvin Klein Performance—the Scottsdale Quarter location is one of only five in the continental United States—and the Nordstrom at Scottsdale Fashion Square, is the department store’s only location in the Valley. The ultra-exclusive shopping found at the Biltmore Fashion Park is only a short drive west, while there are smaller boutiques and shopping centers scattered at all ends of town.

Spring Training

Major League Baseball Spring Training, also known as The Cactus League, has been a Valley tradition since 1947. Through the end of February to late March, 15 teams make Arizona its home in the spring, including the hometown Diamondbacks, the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs, California rivals in the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and San Francisco Giants, and many more. The 15 teams play in 10 stadiums around the Talley, two of which are located in Scottsdale: Scottsdale Stadium (the Giants’ “home” stadium), which is located near the amenities in Old Town and the Salt River Fields at Talking Stick (“home” to both the Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies), which is a stone’s throw from the Pavilions at Talking Stick and the Talking Stick Casino and Resort. Three more stadiums are located nearby in Tempe (Tempe Diablo Stadium, “home” of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim) and Mesa (Sloan Park, “home” of the Chicago Cubs, and HoHoKam Stadium, “home” of the Oakland Athletics), while five more stadiums are scattered a short drive west.

Fun Yearly Events

Scottsdale plays host to events like the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, the world-famous Barrett-Jackson Collector Car events, Arizona Bike Week at Westworld, The Bentley Polo Party, Scottsdale Culinary Festival, Scottsdale Fashion week, and much more.

However, the unofficial start to the party season begins when Scottsdale plays host to one of the top golf tournaments on the PGA Tour, the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Competed at the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale, 2017 was a record year for the Phoenix Open with more than 655,000 attendees and $10 million dollars raised for local charities. The most popular part of the tournament is the 16th hole, nicknamed “The Coliseum”. Though it is one of the shortest holes on the course, it is surrounded by a 20,000-seat grandstand, and is described as “one big party”. Gone are the traditional golf rules of quiet, stately observance. Instead, fans boo poor shots and cheer loudly for the best, which include Tiger Woods’ hole-in-one in 1997.

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Search All Scottsdale Homes for Sale

Our website features the best Scottsdale real estate search for homes, condos, land and foreclosure properties available. It is the only site you will ever need! It is easy-to-use and updated by the official Realtor’s database every 15 minutes. 

You can save searches, and get daily email alerts of new listings, price changes, sold data, and market reports. Our Interactive Map Search allows you to view properties on a map or refine your search by drawing the boundaries around the area you desire.

Click here for the latest Scottsdale homes for sale. We would love the opportunity to show you any of the Park Scottsdale real estate.

Curious about what’s happening in your neighborhood? You can create a custom market report to see what’s active, under contract, and sold in your neighborhood! 

Please call us at (480) 600-2477 or Contact us today to find out how we can be of assistance to you!

Top 10 Scottsdale Arizona Home Styles

Top 10 Scottsdale Arizona Home Styles

 

Scottsdale’s Most Popular Home Styles Tour

People often associate Scottsdale Arizona with the typical suburban sprawl: rows of cookie-cutter homes decked out in the same neutral color palette as the next. But Scottsdale’s lineup of home types is actually much more diverse than you may think.

The area is home to a regional haven of midcentury architecture, and there’s also a sweeping collection of Spanish, Mediterranean, and even Tudor Revival designs. No matter your style or budget, you’re bound to find the perfect home in Scottsdale to fit your personality.

scottsdale contemporary homes for sale

1. Contemporary

Clean, stark lines and a neutral color palette with minimalist forms – these are the makings of a contemporary home in Scottsdale. These designs take inspiration from some of the country’s top architects, like Frank Lloyd Wright, Will Bruder and Jack DeBartolo. Packed with the latest technology, the homes are typically built with simple and straightforward materials: Wood, steel and glass. Find these homes in pockets of Paradise Valley, Scottsdale and all around Phoenix.

scottsdale Midcentury Modern home for sale

2. Midcentury Modern

From Al Beadle to Ralph Haver and Frank Lloyd Wright (again), many of the most prominent post-WWII architects designed homes in the Scottsdale area. And now, a grassroots revival is breathing new life into these old homes while also building new houses to reflect a style of architecture that celebrates connection to the environment, open design concepts and open space.

scottsdale Spanish Mission homes for sale

3. Spanish Mission

North Scottsdale is brimming with Spanish Mission homes–an architectural style made popular in the 1890s in California. Stucco, adobe brick, enclosed courtyards and a hip roof are all characteristics of this design type. Even many newly built homes in suburbs like Chandler, Gilbert, and Mesa use this look as their inspiration.

scottsdale Ranch style homes for sale

4. Ranch

This is the type of home that most non-residents associate with Scottsdale. Single-story and open concept, ranch homes in the area are inspired by the casual lifestyle of the Old and New West. They’re built for function, but many come with charming details like brightly colored front doors and facades. Many of Scottsdale’s historic homes are ranch concepts, but it’s also a popular architectural style for new construction.

scottsdale Mediterranean Revival style homes for sale

5. Mediterranean Revival

This is one of the most prominent architectural styles in Phoenix…maybe it’s the similarity in climate between Phoenix and the Mediterranean region where this style began? Again, many of the newly constructed, master-planned communities reflect this look. Mediterranean Revival homes feature a rectangular floor plan that’s typically topped with a red-tiled roof and accented by arches, circles and wrought iron.

scottsdale Hacienda style homes for sale

6. Hacienda-Style (aka Spanish Revival)

Hacienda homes can be antique or contemporary, but they typically come with a few key attributes: Iron and tile are among the main materials and pottery plays an important role, but in design and décor. The exteriors are typically made from stucco and clay while interior attributes include exposed beams, wrought-iron details and repeated arches. Hacienda homes dot the landscape all over the Scottsdale area.

scottsdale Pueblo Revival style homes for sale

7. Pueblo Revival

This is a quintessential Southwestern design. Popularized in Arizona and New Mexico around the turn of the 20th century, the architecture is reflective of the dwellings built by Pueblo Indians as far back as 750 A.D. You can spot a Pueblo Revival home by its flat or sloping roof, but other key elements include the use of earthy materials (i.e. adobe), heavy wooden accents and rounded exteriors with contrasting square windows.

scottsdale Santa Fe Style homes for sale

8. Santa Fe Style (aka Phoenix Territorial)

Santa Fe (or Phoenix Territorial) homes are similar to the Pueblo Revival look. These homes feature flat roofs and neutral desert-inspired tones. Typically, a low hallway ceiling will open into a spacious, vaulted-ceiling living room or kitchen. Houses in this style are warm, earthy and classically Southwestern. You can find a good mix of them all over Scottsdale and Phoenix.

scottsdale Territorial Style homes for sale

9. Territorial Style

Yes, believe it or not, this style is different than the previous one. Though its origins are the same as Santa Fe or Phoenix Territorial, the general Territorial Style is more “folksy.” It blends Greek Revival and Gothic details with Pueblo and Spanish Mission architecture. Territorial homes in Scottsdale are typically trimmed with colorful shutters, brick tile work, repeating columns and the occasional pitched roof.

scottsdale Tuscan Style homes for sale

10. Tuscan Style

Tuscan architecture tends to be favored by the mountainous neighborhoods of Greater Phoenix, in and around Scottsdale and northern Mesa, in particular. In Arizona, though, the homes are actually a blend of Italian and desert style: Warm, yellow-tinted paint colors, stone walkways, arches and plenty of terra-cotta accents.

There are plenty of home styles to fall in love with in Scottsdale — especially if you love clean lines, desert hues, and Southwestern vibes.

Search All Scottsdale Homes for Sale

Our website features the best Scottsdale real estate search for homes, condos, land and foreclosure properties available. It is the only site you will ever need! It is easy-to-use and updated by the official Realtor’s database every 15 minutes. 

You can save searches, and get daily email alerts of new listings, price changes, sold data, and market reports. Our Interactive Map Search allows you to view properties on a map or refine your search by drawing the boundaries around the area you desire.

Click here for the latest Scottsdale homes for sale. We would love the opportunity to show you any of the Park Scottsdale real estate.

Curious about what’s happening in your neighborhood? You can create a custom market report to see what’s active, under contract, and sold in your neighborhood! 

Please call us at (480) 600-2477 or Contact us today to find out how we can be of assistance to you!

5 Budget Tips to get your Scottsdale Dream Home

5 Budget Tips to get your Scottsdale Dream Home

Is Your Scottsdale Dream Home Out of Your Price Range?

From the moment you walked in, the house was calling to you. That chef’s kitchen! The ballroom-size playroom! Wait a second, is that a fireplace in the master? Done and done. This is your perfect Scottsdale home…

That is, until you recheck the price and discover it’s just a bit out of your price range. Cruel, cruel world!

There are precious few things in life more exciting than finding your true Scottsdale dream home—and not many things more soul-crushing than realizing you can’t afford it. Or, can you? If you’re determined to stretch your budget the way certain presidential candidates stretch the concept of “sarcasm,” there are ways to pull off this monetary magic without becoming completely house poor.

We’ll show you how to make your budget mesh with your fantasy. For real. Check out our 5 Budget Tips to get your Scottsdale Dream Home.

Budget Tip No. 1: Negotiate the price

“Everything is always negotiable,” says Brian Bemo with Bemo Homes in Scottsdale. “You’d be surprised at what sellers, agents, and buyers alike will compromise on.”

You might not get what you want, but you never know—the seller may be extremely motivated because of a move, work relocation, or divorce, for example.

“They may just be looking for a fair offer and would be willing to sell to you for a little less if they can close faster as a result.”

You’d be amazed by how many people make no effort to parley on price. Smart haggling can get you far! Do it.

Budget saver No. 2: Work the programs

There are a wide variety of programs, particularly down payment assistance programs, that help people achieve their dream of homeownership. And contrary to popular belief, you don’t necessarily have to be low-income to quality.

“You may discover a first-time home buyers program that can make your home of choice more affordable by providing assistance with the closing costs or the down payment,” says Bemo. Check with our lender Johnny Alo. He is a Mortgage Loan Officer who has been providing clients with superior mortgage service since 1997. At Academy Mortgage Corp. they offer conventional, FHA, VA and USDA; and non-conforming jumbo mortgages.

What’s that you say? The home is a dream in terms of neighborhood and square footage, but a nightmare on the inside?

If you’re considering a fixer-upper, you can look into financing it with a renovation loan. This will enable you to make desired improvements and have them financed into the mortgage.

Budget saver No. 3: Massage that mortgage

“The biggest mistake I see a majority of people make is blindly asking for a 30-year fixed mortgage,” Bemo says. Many home buyers, especially millennials, would be better off if they considered other options such as a five-, seven-, or 10-year adjustable-rate mortgage.

“We live in a much more transient society than we did 20 years ago, and people all too often pay for the ‘security’ of a 30-year fixed loan when, in fact, they will likely be selling or refinancing in less than 10 years”. Looking into a different loan type can translate into lower payments upfront.

Scottsdale home buyers can also look into creative options for their private mortgage insurance (e.g., having it paid by the lender or seller), which can help you achieve a lower monthly payment.

Budget saver No. 4: Check for ways this Scottsdale home itself could save you money

Sometimes that more expensive house payment will allow you to save in other areas. For example, maybe it makes your commute shorter and less expensive, or it’s in a better school district so you no longer have to foot expensive private school tuition.

Another possibility: The energy efficiency of a newer Scottsdale home can reduce your utility bills and might make up some of the cost difference of an older home.

“Sometimes a higher-priced home can actually cost the same as a lower-priced one when you do the math on other factors”.

Budget saver No. 5: Put the decision into perspective

On the one hand, you don’t want to be dumb. “If a Scottsdale home is truly out of my clients’ budget, I would emphatically advise them to continue looking,” Bemo says. However, while it is never advisable to buy more than you can afford, it is important to consider all factors before passing on a dream home.

Buying a home is not something to take lightly. You will likely live there for quite some time, so it is important not to just settle, especially if there are ways to get creative and make it work.

If your Scottsdale dream house is, say, $25,000 over your ideal budget, it may seem like a huge chunk of money. However, the sting is lessened when you imagine that amount spread over the life of the mortgage.

When you do that math on a 30-year mortgage, it ends up being only roughly a $70 monthly increase, and often my clients find they can make adjustments to accommodate the difference.

While he respects the initial budget that his clients have set, he says, he can relate to his clients who have fallen in love with their dream home but find it unaffordable.

“My family and I found a home we adored, but it was slightly over our budget”. “We didn’t hesitate, made it work, and got our dream home. The best decision we have ever made. It’s something we still think about from time to time, and I share this experience with the people I help.”

Search All Scottsdale Homes for Sale

Our website features the best Park Scottsdale real estate search for homes, condos, land and foreclosure properties available. It is the only site you will ever need! It is easy-to-use and updated by the official Realtor’s database every 15 minutes. 

You can save searches, and get daily email alerts of new listings, price changes, sold data, and market reports. Our Interactive Map Search allows you to view properties on a map or refine your search by drawing the boundaries around the area you desire.

Click here for the latest Scottsdale homes for sale. We would love the opportunity to show you any of the Park Scottsdale real estate.

Curious about what’s happening in your neighborhood? You can create a custom market report to see what’s active, under contract, and sold in your neighborhood! 

Please call us at (480) 600-2477 or Contact us today to find out how we can be of assistance to you!

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Curious about local real estate? So are we! Every month we review trends in our real estate market and consider the number of homes on the market in each price tier, the amount of time particular homes have been listed for sale, specific neighborhood trends, the median price and square footage of each home sold and so much more. We’d love to invite you to do the same!

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You can sign up here to receive your own market report, delivered as often as you like! It contains current information on pending, active and just sold properties so you can see actual homes in your neighborhood. You can review your area on a larger scale, as well, by refining your search to include properties across the city or county. As you notice price and size trends, please contact us for clarification or to have any questions answered.

We can definitely fill you in on details that are not listed on the report and help you determine the best home for you. We hope to hear from you soon as you get to know our neighborhoods and local real estate market better.

Search All Scottsdale Real Estate

Our website features the best Park Scottsdale real estate search for homes, condos, land and foreclosure properties available. It is the only site you will ever need! It is easy-to-use and updated by the official Realtor’s database every 15 minutes. 

You can save searches, and get daily email alerts of new listings, price changes, sold data, and market reports. Our Interactive Map Search allows you to view properties on a map or refine your search by drawing the boundaries around the area you desire.

Click here for the latest Scottsdale homes for sale. We would love the opportunity to show you any of the Park Scottsdale real estate.

Curious about what’s happening in your neighborhood? You can create a custom market report to see what’s active, under contract, and sold in your neighborhood! 

Please call us at (480) 600-2477 or Contact us today to find out how we can be of assistance to you!